SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 624 is discouraged to hear six committed and earnest cadets of the 2016 Bravo Class of the San Antonio Fire Academy have been dismissed from what would have been a fulfilling and promising career.

"We have been told these were exemplary candidates who were dedicated and excited at the prospect of becoming San Antonio Firefighters," said President Chris Steele of the SAPFFA. "Although they are not yet members of the SAPFFA, we believe they were cadets who would have made outstanding firefighters and beacons of community service."

The six cadets were accused of drinking in uniform, but there has been no evidence of wrongdoing. None of the cadets were given the opportunity to face their accuser.

"We believe these candidates were wrongfully terminated with absolutely no due process," said Chief Mark Black, Vice President and Negotiations Chairman, who formerly led applicant processing within the department. "From the facts that we know, San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood's firing of these six does not even meet the threshold for the applicant processing temperate habits rule."

The temperate habits rule states applicants must demonstrate moderation and self-restraint in their personal, social, and public affairs reflecting the high standards required of a professional firefighter. Applicants must demonstrate temperance in the use of alcohol and display emotional self-control while portraying respect for others’ dignity, privacy, and property. (For more information on this rule, click or tap here).

"We would hope these cadets were not singled out," said Steele. "We want to believe that their hard work and achievements up to this point will be taken into consideration and that the City will reevaluate their termination."